The historic town of Tervuren once again marked the arrival of May with its annual Meiboom planting, a festive tradition dating back to 1457 and beyond.
On Thursday 1 May, locals gathered at the Sint-Janskerk church square for the celebration steeped in folklore. The event began at 3pm with a colourful procession as a tall birch tree, decorated with ribbons, was carried through the streets by young members of Scouts Tervuren and KSA Tervuren, accompanied by traditional fanfare music.
Once planted in front of the church, the Maypole formed the centrepiece for community dances, flag-waving displays and old songs. “We’re continuing a tradition whose roots stretch deep into the past,” explains Frank Ruttens, head of the Meiboom Guild, a collaboration between the local parish federation and historical society. “The earliest records we’ve found date from 1457, but it likely goes back even further.”
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Local schoolchildren staged a historical re-enactment recalling the longstanding ties between Tervuren, Leuven and Brussels — once ducal cities connected through archery competitions held on this neutral ground.
And a Ukrainian women’s choir performed, while folkloric character Rosse Lowie entertained the crowd with customary antics. A lively performance by the Tervuren folk giant Jomme and the Reuzegom dancers rounded off the festivities.
An estafette race between children representing the colours of Leuven and Brussels further revived old rivalries. The event keeps a valuable piece of intangible cultural heritage alive for future generations.
Auteur: Dafydd ab Iago. © Artikel en foto zijn gelicentieerd © 2024 voor Tervuren+ onder de Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International-licentie.
